[Primary cancer of the gallbladder. Analysis of a surgical series of 24 cases. Attempted anatomical classification of its prognosis. Proposal of a preventive approach].

This analysis of 24 cases of primary carcinoma of the gall bladder is compared with series in the literature. The extremely poor prognosis of this carcinoma, recognised by all authors, may be explained by the unfavourable background, delay in diagnosis at all stages, early regional spread, difficulty in laying down the therapeutic indications. A Pathological classification for prognosis has been proposed for the surgeon with stages: O, I, II, II a and b, IV a and b, in relation to the spread of the gall bladder carcinoma and reflexions inspired by analysis of the operative results in the literature. Even with better knowledge of predisposing factors, and if new methods of treatment gave greater hope in the future, more frequent use of cholecystectomy seems the best prevention of bladder carcinoma in any case of cholelithiasis whether symptomatic or not, in the absence of any contra-indication.